Hotel Metasearch

Metasearch is an online system that collects and displays real-time information from various sources, allowing users to compare prices and availability within a single view. In the travel industry, metasearch primarily aggregates data from hotel websites and online travel agencies (OTAs). Metasearch engines are unique search engines that show the current rates of many different properties in any given destination. They pull data from the internet to produce their own results, which are then presented to users searching for accommodation in a particular area. When travellers use metasearch, they can enter their travel preferences, such as destination and dates, to see a consolidated list of options that meet their criteria. For example, if someone is looking for a bed and breakfast in London for three nights, a metasearch site will display a range of hotels with their corresponding prices from different booking channels.

TripAdvisor, Google Hotels, Kayak, Trivago, and HotelsCombined are all examples of metasearch sites that guests use to find accommodation and travel deals. These platforms attract a large number of users who are looking for competitive prices and an easy way to compare different options.

Metasearch allows travellers to compare many different offers at a glance, and they can even choose to book directly with a property from a metasearch listing. For example, when a traveller searches for ‘hotels in Paris’, Google will display relevant listings and the traveller will be able to click through to compare hundreds or thousands of options. It’s important to note that metasearch doesn’t handle the actual booking process. Instead, they provide a comparison platform where users can view prices and availability from various sources. When users find a hotel they like, they can click on a link that takes them to the specific booking channel to complete their reservation. For instance, if a user selects a hotel from the metasearch results, they will be redirected to the hotel’s website or an OTA’s platform to finalise their booking.

Paid search actually refers to search engine marketing (SEM) which involves displaying text-based ads on search engine results pages, targeting users who are actively looking for specific terms. These ads direct users to the advertiser’s website or landing page. On the other hand, metasearch advertising deals with coming up with the best bids for listings to appear at the top of metasearch results. Metasearch listings are also more visual and detailed, and when users click on it, they are redirected to the booking channel, either hotel websites or OTAs, to complete their reservation.

Metasearch ads present an opportunity for small properties to enhance online visibility, attract new guests, and drive direct bookings. By advertising your rooms via metasearch, you can take advantage of travellers who are ready to make a reservation. Instant booking features will allow you to capture more direct bookings from high-intent travellers. Optimising your presence on metasearch sites can compete with OTAs and increase your share of direct bookings as well. This involves strategies such as accurate listing information, well-planned bidding approaches, targeted campaigns, and a user-friendly hotel website to ensure a seamless booking experience for users who click on metasearch results.

Tools such as Google represent a real opportunity for your business to increase revenue and profit. Properties connected to Google Hotel Ads receive around 16% more direct bookings than those who aren’t, and the commission fee is generally lower than with OTAs. Metasearch platforms often operate on a pay-per-click model. This means you only pay when a user clicks on your listing or makes a booking. Compared to traditional advertising or booking website commission rates, metasearch can offer a higher return on investment (ROI) as you have more control over your budget. By driving more direct bookings through metasearch, you can own guest relationships at the onset. Building guest loyalty can lead to repeat bookings, referrals, and likely higher revenue in the long term. Direct communication with guests also enables you to provide personalised experiences and implement reward programs, enhancing guest satisfaction and revenue potential.

You can easily equip metasearch as an add-on feature of your Little Hotelier booking engine. There is no activation or separate monthly fee, only a reduced commission when compared to OTAs. Our metasearch offering currently includes three global metasearch websites: Google Hotel Ads or Google Hotel Finder, TripAdvisor, and Trivago. Once you sign up for the program — which you only need to do once — we’ll list your small property on these three channels, as well as any other channels we’ll add in future.

Little Hotelier can automatically manage your listings and bids for you. Our team optimises the process so you can get bookings for as little money spent as possible. The best thing is that you only pay a fee once a guest completes their stay, so you aren’t wasting budget on travellers who never book with you.

Costs can vary but you can be active and accept bookings on metasearch from as little as $1 per day. The result will be more direct bookings and completed stays for your business – and if you don’t get any you don’t have to pay so there’s no risk.

There are no sign up fees or upfront costs for Hotel Metasearch, you only pay a small fee for each confirmed reservations that you receive. We also have a range of Little Hotelier plans available which include monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions so you have the flexibility to cancel anytime you choose. Get started now. 

Getting started and set up with metasearch and Little Hotelier’s booking engine begins with your free trial. Depending on the plan you choose, you will either enter an online sign-up process and or be connected with a professional onboarding specialist. The online sign-up process is quick and easy, since you’ll be assisted by a ‘wizard’ that takes you through step-by-step instructions. Once through the initial stages, the most helpful aspect will be your smartguide – make sure to look out for it. This will ensure you understand what to do next and make the most of your new software. To make the process even smoother, make sure you have prepared photos of your property and rooms, a list of your room types, and other important information about your property such as contact details.

Support is available to you 24/7 during and after your metasearch setup. Depending on the plan you choose you’ll have access to email and online chat, or dedicated phone support on top of that. Little Hotelier also has a learning centre, which can answer many questions about the features and how they work.